Agricultural Chemical User Permits

An Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) is a 10-year permit issued by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) to appropriately trained chemical users, which authorises the purchase of 'restricted supply' chemicals and use of 'restricted use' chemicals (i.e. higher risk chemicals) in Victoria.

ACUPs do not authorise the holder to use these chemicals for a fee or reward (e.g. to operate as a spray contractor).

Who needs an ACUP?

A person who wishes to use any of the agricultural chemical products listed in Table 1 below must hold a valid ACUP.

The only situation where a 'restricted use' chemical may be used without a Standard endorsed ACUP, is if the person applying the chemical is operating under the direct and immediate supervision (within sight and sound) of a Standard endorsed ACUP holder.

If you need more than one of the above ACUP endorsements, a single permit can be issued for any combination except for CCA, which must be issued separately. The training requirements for each endorsement required must be met before a combined permit can be issued.

Please note: A chemical user training course certificate or card is not an ACUP – it only qualifies the holder to apply for an ACUP.

Under 18 ACUP

There are conditional ACUPs available for applicants aged under 18 years which authorise the use of products that contain atrazine, metham sodium and the ester formulations of 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, MCPA and triclopyr, and also pindone concentrate for the preparation of poison baits. It is illegal for a person under 18 to possess or use a Schedule 7 poison (DANGEROUS POISON).

If you don't receive a renewal letter, you can either contact the ACUP Registrar on 1800 678 779, download and submit the application form or renew online. It is your responsibility to have a valid ACUP when using 'restricted use' chemicals - the department takes no responsibility if you do not receive your renewal letter.

You do not need to complete a chemical user refresher course in order to reapply for your ACUP. However, we encourage chemical users to keep up-to-date with changes in technology, current practices and regulations.

Change of address

Important notes

You must make specified records within 48 hours of using an agricultural chemical product and keep them for two years. Note this excludes the use of household or home garden products.

'Restricted use' chemicals must be used in strict accordance with the label. Off-label use of these chemicals is illegal in Victoria unless that use is authorised by a permit from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

Following changes to the Victorian Government structure, the content on this site is in transition. There may be references to previous departments, these are being updated. Please call 136 186 to clarify any specific information.